🌬️ 3 Houseplants That Boost Bedroom Air Quality (and Look Pretty Damn Good Doing It)

You take over 20,000 breaths a day. That’s 20,000 reasons to make sure the air in your space isn’t full of dust, toxins, or stale vibes.

Your HVAC system does the heavy lifting when it comes to filtering the air, but houseplants can give it a natural assist. Not only do they add life and style to a room, they also help clean the air and support better sleep. Here are three plants that earn their keep—especially in the bedroom.

You probably know Aloe Vera for its skin-soothing powers, but it also happens to be great at filtering the air around you. It quietly clears out common toxins and puts out fresh oxygen while you sleep. Bonus: it's sleek and sculptural, so it looks great on a nightstand or windowsill.

Care Tips:

• Loves sunlight, but doesn’t want to bake—bright, indirect light is ideal.

• Water lightly. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.

The Snake Plant is a dream for low-maintenance plant lovers. It tolerates low light, only needs occasional watering, and still shows up to work every night—literally. It’s one of the few plants that releases oxygen after the sun goes down, which makes it a solid addition to any sleep space.

Care Tips:

• Works in both dim corners and sunny spots.

• Let the soil dry out between waterings. Too much water = root rot.

The Areca Palm brings a breezy, tropical feel to a room, but it’s more than just a pretty plant. It adds moisture back into the air, which can be a game-changer if you deal with dry skin, sinuses, or cracked lips from indoor heat or AC. It’s also a natural air purifier, helping clear out airborne gunk without the noise of a machine.

Care Tips:

• Likes indirect light and a consistent environment.

• Keep the soil slightly damp, but not soggy.

While adding houseplants is a great start, enhancing your HVAC system can significantly improve your indoor air quality.

Upgrade to a 5-Inch Media Filter: Unlike the standard 1-inch filters, 5-inch media filters have a larger surface area. This means they can trap more airborne particles, leading to cleaner air and reducing the frequency of filter replacements.​

Consider Electronic Carbon Filters: These filters are excellent at removing odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from your indoor environment, providing an added layer of purification.​

Install an Air Ionizer: Air ionizers work by releasing charged particles that attach to airborne contaminants, causing them to clump together and be more easily captured by your HVAC system's filter. This process helps in reducing pollutants like dust, pollen, and smoke whenever your system is running. For optimal results, pair an air ionizer with a 5-inch media filter and UV bulbs.

I get it—some HVAC upgrades might seem like perfect weekend DIY projects. But here's the deal: while it's tempting to tackle these tasks yourself, it's often best to consult a reputable HVAC professional.

Why? Because your HVAC system is a finely tuned machine that requires precise airflow to function optimally. Improper installations can hinder airflow, strain your system, and potentially void warranties. One common issue is insufficient return air capacity, which can lead to inefficiencies or even damage. Professionals can assess your system's needs, ensuring enhancements like filters and ionizers are correctly integrated without compromising performance.